If you get your internet from Now Broadband then a shock may have arrived, with a £3 month price rise landing on 4 July. That will see the price increasing for those on the old Fab Fibre, Super Fibre and Brilliant Broadband plans.
If you're feeling that things aren't as fab, super or brilliant as they were when you signed up, then it's a great time to consider your options. Changing broadband is easy and it could save you money, while boosting your download speed or network perks.
The price increase was announced back in May, but we've now hit crunch week and prices will increase for those on the plans mentioned above. All customers have been sent an email (it came from Sky), detailing the options open to you.
If you're out of contract, however, don't just sit there and accept the £36 a year price rise that you're facing - it could be time to shop around and see what else you can get.
First of all, check what you're paying and what you'll be paying after the £3 monthly price hike. The affected Now Broadband plans are as follows, with the new expected prices (although yours might be different):
- Brilliant Broadband - 11Mbps - around £23 a month
- Fab Fibre - 36Mbps - around £24 a month
- Super Fibre - 63Mbps - around £27 a month
Based on those rates, there are some deals that are worth considering to get a better broadband service. In each case you'll have to see if that provider is available in your area, usually with a postcode search.
Plusnet's broadband - one of the best rated for customer service - starts at £25.99 a month for 71Mbps downloads, on a 24-month contract. A £50 reward card is offered for switching, which gives you a £50 prepaid Mastercard to spend wherever you want.
- See the Plusnet broadband deals
If you happen to live in London, you might be able to get Community Fibre. Prices start at £19 a month for 100Mbps on a 24-month contract. Currently, there's 3 months free (but only for the next 3 days!), so you could save a lot - but check if you're within Community Fibre's coverage area.
- See the Community Fibre deals
Sky Broadband is currently offering its Full Fibre 75 package for £25 a month. This is 75Mbps on a 24-month contract. Sky Broadband is cheaper if you bundle it with TV which starts at £15 a month, but you can then get Sky Superfast Broadband from £20 a month (saving £5 on the regular rate), for a total of £35 a month. You'll have to check what's available in your area to get your exact deal price.
- See the Sky Broadband deals
Virgin Media offer broadband from 125Mbps on its full fibre service from £23.99 a month on a 24-month contract.
- See the Virgin Media broadband deals
All of these suppliers will have price increases, so if you're moving to avoid the increases, you won't manage to escape. Sky doesn't declare price changes in advance, but - like Now Broadband - will have to tell you in advance and give you the option to leave within 1 month penalty free in accordance with Ofcom rules.
Other providers all list their price increases over the duration of the contract so you can see what the price will be for the full 24 months. Generally speaking, the price of broadband is decreasing, meaning access to faster speeds for less money. However, to benefit from those prices, you need to switch to a better deal at the end of your contract.
Also be aware that some providers will pay the early termination fees for you. According to The Mirror, some providers will pay up to £300 to cover the cost of you moving to a better deal. So if you are stuck in an expensive broadband contract, it's worth considering a move to EE, Sky or Hyperoptic, who might cover the costs for you.
